Prematurity (early delivery)
Babies delivered before the expected term may be unable to sustain vital functions such as respiration, feeding and preservation of body temperature, which means they need to be supported by simulating circumstances similar to the womb. The necessary support is provided at our unit with the help of modern technological facilities like incubator, patient monitors, respirators, parenteral nutrition systems etc.
Diseases specific to the neonatal period
Some diseases that are life-threatening or might result in permanent damage like jaundice, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage etc. might be encountered during the neonatal period. Our unit adopts painstaking observation measures for prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. Newborns’ examinations and investigations, including hearing and ophthalmological examinations, cranial USG, EEG, echocardiogram etc., are conducted in accordance with their screening programs.
Congenital malformations, syndromes, metabolic/endocrine/genetic diseases etc.
Some structural disorders or diseases may be detectable right away, whereas others may manifest symptoms during the first days of life. If such disorders or diseases are identified or suspected, patients are evaluated in collaboration with medical genetics or other relevant departments in order to diagnose their conditions with special tests and screening procedures.
Surgical diseases
Neonates who underwent pediatric, cardiovascular, plastic or otorhinolaryngological surgery are observed at our unit during the preoperative and postoperative periods.
Infectious diseases
Infections are among the most prominent problems experienced at intensive care units, and unfortunately, rate of infection can never be reduced to zero. However, the risk may be mitigated substantially by employing strict measures. If necessary, this group of infants can be observed in rooms specifically designated to this purpose.
Perinatal asphyxia
This is an incident where the baby might be deprived of oxygen due to various reasons and sustain damage to some organs, primarily the brain. To mitigate this damage as much as possible, whole-body therapeutic hypothermia is practiced at our unit. Long term monitoring under aEEG, a special format of regular EEG, and MRI imaging (under supervision of an anesthesiologist, if necessary) are conducted to determine the impact on the brain.
Service Subcategories of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Level 1 Intensive Care:
- Neonates unable to preserve body temperature
- Late premature infants, neonates experiencing difficulty with breastfeeding
- Hypoglycemia that will not improve with enteral nutrition
- Neonates who require or will most likely require phototherapy
- Neonates receiving up to 24 hours of free-flow oxygen support and need to be observed under monitoring or pulse oximetry
Level 2 Intensive Care:
- Neonates who weigh 1500-2500 gr, cannot preserve body temperature, are hypoglycemic, and cannot be fed orally
- Neonates who weigh >2500 gr and remain hypoglycemic for over 24 hours or receive O2 support
- Neonates who weigh >1500 gr and have to receive oxygen support for over 24 hours or require nasal respiratory support
- Neonates who weigh >2500 gr, have a central venous catheter or have undergone minor surgical intervention
- Neonates who weigh >1500 gr and had a blood transfusion or received IVIg therapy
- Neonates who are treated for arrythmia
- Infants with infections -on condition that it is not highly severe-, congenital anomalies and systemic diseases
Leve 3 Intensive Care:
- All neonates weighing <1500 gr
- Neonates with dysfunction in two or more organs, requiring circulation support
- Neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation support
- Neonates who weigh 1500-2500 gr, have a central venous catheter or have undergone minor surgical intervention
- Neonates who went through peritoneal dialysis or hemofiltration
- Therapeutic hypothermia
- Treatment and examination for retinopathy
- Neonates requiring thoracic intubation
- Echocardiography
Isolation chambers
In cases of risky infection, neonates are observed in special negative-pressure chambers.
Co-sleeping rooms
To evaluate harmony between the mother and a neonate due for discharge, they stay in a special room for several nights.
Neonatology polyclinic
Neonates who were treated at our unit and discharged, have their initial follow-ups at our unit. Regular follow-ups are held for high-risk babies.